News

7/25/2008

MILAN, 24 July 2008 - Detectives say that in order to find an assassin, the hours immediately after the crime are decisive. This rule applies to the transfer market too, since it seems that after months of fruitless waiting for Frank Lampard, Inter's Marco Branca and Lele Oriali managed to select, contact and sign Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth in just two days. The 23 year old Ghanaian midfielder has cost €14 million (plus bonuses) and his arrival will be announced today.

QUICK MOVE - On Tuesday Inter reached an agreement with Muntari's representatives for a five year contract with wages which will increase over time (from 1.8 to 2.5 million plus prize money). Given that the wait for Lampard appears to be interminable, yesterday Branca and Oriali chose to close the deal with Portsmouth instead. Despite the comments from manager Harry Redknapp ("There's been no contact, and Muntari is not for sale"), the FA Cup winners agreed immediately to open negotiations, which concluded with Portsmouth accepting €14 million plus bonuses. The announcement is expected today while the player will arrive tomorrow or Monday. Confirmation of the deal has come from Friuli, where director general of Udinese Pietro Leonardi was contacted by the English club's directors, since contractually they must pass on a percentage of the sale to Muntari's former club (he was sold last summer for €12 million).

LAMPARD DEAL LAPSED - The nerazzurri's quick move was also based on the reports in England from China, where Lampard is taking part in a tournament with Chelsea. He scored in their 4-0 victory over Chinese side Guangzhou with a great long range chip. The Daily Express has reported that the 30 year old former West Ham player could be close to renewing his contract with the Blues, signing a new five year deal for around €50 million. This story is unconfirmed, and Inter are still hoping to sign Mourinho's favourite in June 2009 on a free transfer.

QUARESMA? - Ricardo Quaresma also seems less likely to arrive in Milan, despite the definitive rupture between the player and his club Porto. Yesterday the 24 year winger turned up for training but did not take part, claiming he was suffering from muscle pain, which the club no longer believe. Porto continue to value the player at €25 million, and Inter seem unlikely to sign this second player unless the Portuguese drop their price below €20 million.

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